Volunteer roles for the Housing and Homelessness sector

PLEASE NOTE: This role is only needed for the Christmas period

Each person who'd like to volunteer needs to sign up individually, and volunteers are not permitted to bring friends, family members, or children along with them on shifts.

You will contribute to ending homelessness by

This role is fun and varied, assisting drivers with delivering hampers to members to help make their Christmas a bit more special. 

Emmaus UK is currently undertaking feasibility work to consider the incorporation of an SPV which can become a Registered Provider of Social Housing on behalf of the Emmaus federation in the UK. This is an exciting prospect and would unlock significant potential to achieve our strategic objective to help more people.

To ensure that we are best positioned to pursue this opportunity we are looking to build the expertise of the Emmaus UK Board in:

• Housing Association/Housing Expertise or relevant regulatory expertise - providing strategic input as we develop the subsidiary and proceed with becoming a Registered Provider
•  Legal expertise - ideally in a relevant field e.g. charity or corporate governance, housing, property, regulation etc
• Property Acquisition and Development - to support us with providing high quality services and managing sustainable growth

Joining the EUK Board at such a significant moment will enable you to play a key role in the future of Emmaus. You will be an integral part of developing the movement and central to making strategic decisions within EUK as the national body.

Trustee Role Description

Location: Home based online meetings.  Two annual face-to-face meetings

Reporting to: EUK Chair and board of trustees

Remuneration:This role is voluntary.  Any travel expenses will be reimbursed.

To ensure EUK pursues its charitable purposes, adheres to its principles & values and works strategically towards the benefit of companions, federation members and the public.

To ensure EUK complies with its governing documents, Charity and Company Law, financial responsibilities and other statutory and relevant legislations and regulations.

Principle responsibility and duties

• To develop, define and agree the strategic vision, mission and priorities of EUK and monitor and evaluate its performance against these targets.
• To ensure EUK uses its resources exclusively for the advancement of its charitable purposes and solely in line with its values and principles
• To ensure legal, regulatory and internal compliance to key governing documents and always act in the best interests of EUK and its beneficiaries
• To ensure the financial sustainability and stability of EUK and its assets by overseeing and reviewing EUK budgets, accounts and financial reports
• To ensure the proper investment of EUK funds and protection of EUK reserves
• To ensure clear, effective and efficient administration of EUK activities, including good governance, risk management, policies, procedures and oversight
• To support the Chair and Chief Executive in their leadership of EUK and ensure proper and formal arrangements for recruitment, appointment, supervision, support, appraisal and remuneration of EUK’s Chief Executive
• To model to and support the federation of members with developing good governance and best practice in their charities
• To ensure commitment and active participation in the international Emmaus movement.
• To work towards EUK being an equitable, diverse and inclusive organization
• To safeguard the positive name, values and work of Emmaus
• To prepare for, attend and contribute to board and committee meetings

Specialist Duties

In addition to the above general duties, trustees are expected to bring specialist skills, experience, knowledge or expertise in specific areas. It is their duty to use these specialisms to support the board as a whole to reach sound decisions. This may involve leading discussion on issues where they have specific expertise, highlighting key issues and providing insight, advice and guidance on new initiatives.

We are currently looking for trustees, with knowledge of housing regulation and related expertise, or with legal knowledge and expertise or with expertise in property acquisition and development

Personal Specification – Skills, knowledge and experience

Essential

• Senior leadership experience
• Experience of strategy
• Development and progression
• Risk management skills
• Evidence of continuing professional development
• Understanding of the role, responsibilities and legal duties of a trustee

Desirable

• Experience or knowledge of working within a global charity or federated structure
• Understanding of charity legislation
• Experience of working in a trustee or non-executive director position
• Experience or understanding of financial oversight

Behavioural Competencies/Characteristics

Essential

• Committed to integrity and transparency
• Able to communicate clearly with a diverse range of people
• Effective member of a team who is inclusive and supportive of others
• Able to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information appropriately
• Able to respect boundaries between leadership and management

Time Commitment

EUK trustees currently serve for up to three, three-year terms

The EUK Board meets online, quarterly as well as at an annual face to face two-day overnight strategy session usually in Autumn and an annual face to face meeting in Spring. The EUK Board currently has four internal sub-committees that manage specific areas of work and also meet online, quarterly. Each trustee is also required to become a member of one of these committees.

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.

Overall purpose

To hold oversight of the financial operations of the Society and ensure transparency of this information.

Support and communicate with board members and staff/associates: Act as a reliable point of contact for understanding the financial status of the society.

Communicate financial information to the society’s members.

Assist with additional administrative tasks regarding managing the funds of the society such as bank accounts, mortgage accounts and share capital.

Organize and Chair the Finance Subcommittee.

Estimated time commitment is around 2 to 3 days per month and reports to the board. 

Main Responsibilities

1. Report regularly on the financial status of the society to the Board of Directors.
2. Report at the Annual General Meeting and Ordinary General Meetings to the members of the society on financial matters.
3. Act as a point of Contact for Financial questions of Directors, Staff / Associates and where applicable User Members.
4. Ensure accurate recordkeeping, compiling of financial accounts and other reports as required by regulators and ensure submission of such documents on time.
5. Chair and organize meetings of the Finance Subcommittee of the Society, collaborating with members of the subcommittee on relevant delegated tasks.
6. Occasional Duties: Provide support to User Members on financial matters or questions.

 Person Specification

• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Attention to detail and the ability to maintain accurate records.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including breaking down complex financial information.
• Collaboration and teamwork abilities.
• Optional: Familiarity with cooperative principles and practices.

Location: Remote or In-person (London-based preferred, flexible)
Hours: 8–12 hours per month (flexible)
Compensation: Revenue split per session – 60% to Counsellor / 40% to Guardian Light Enterprises LTD
Payment Schedule: Weekly or monthly, depending on preference (flexible to support cash flow)

About Guardian Light Enterprises LTD

Guardian Light Enterprises LTD is the revenue-generating arm of Guardian Light Foundation, a social enterprise dedicated to transforming the lives of children, teenagers, and single-parent families affected by homelessness, abuse, and hardship. Every service we provide contributes directly to creating safe spaces, housing, education, and empowerment programs for vulnerable communities.

As a freelance counsellor with us, you are not just offering sessions—you are helping people heal, build resilience, and find hope, while supporting a social mission that changes lives.

Role Overview

We are seeking a compassionate, skilled, and dedicated Freelance Counsellor to provide emotional support, guidance, and therapy sessions to our clients. This is a unique opportunity to work in a mission-driven social enterprise where your expertise directly fuels social impact.

As a counsellor, you will:

• Provide individual and group counselling sessions for children, teenagers, and single-parent families.

• Use your professional expertise to guide clients through challenges including trauma, grief, anxiety, and abuse recovery.

• Maintain strict confidentiality and safeguarding standards in line with UK regulations.

• Collaborate with Guardian Light Enterprises and the Foundation team to refer clients to additional support programs where appropriate.

• Participate in impact reporting to help shape future programs.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct high-quality counselling sessions tailored to individual client needs.

• Document sessions and maintain records securely in compliance with safeguarding and GDPR policies.

• Promote emotional wellbeing, resilience, and empowerment for clients.

• Engage with Guardian Light Enterprises LTD in strategic discussions to improve program delivery.

• Attend occasional training and team meetings (via Microsoft Teams).

Ideal Candidate

• Accredited Counsellor, Psychotherapist, or Mental Health Professional with relevant UK registration.

• Experience working with children, teenagers, and vulnerable families.

• Strong empathy, emotional intelligence, and a trauma-informed approach.

• Excellent communication and documentation skills.

• Passionate about social impact and committed to transforming lives.

Hours & Compensation

• Recommended: 8–12 hours per month (approx. 2–3 clients per week, depending on session length).

• Compensation: Revenue split per session – 60% to you, 40% to Guardian Light Enterprises LTD.

• Payment Schedule: Flexible – weekly or monthly, depending on mutual preference and cash flow management.

Benefits

Even at this early stage, joining Guardian Light Enterprises LTD offers unique benefits:

• Impact-driven work: Every session contributes to funding programs that directly support children and single-parent families in crisis.

• Flexible schedule: Set your hours around your availability.

• Professional growth: Access to training and development opportunities.

• Career progression: Exceptional counsellors may be invited to join our Advisory Board or eventually become a Board Member, shaping the direction of Guardian Light Foundation.

• Recognition: A chance to build your personal and professional brand as part of a pioneering social enterprise.

• Supportive environment: Collaborate with a passionate, mission-driven team dedicated to real change.

Catching Lives is an independent charity based in Canterbury, supporting people who are homeless or insecurely housed in Canterbury & East Kent. 

The role as Chair is pivotal to us achieving the strategic plans of our charity. Our Trustee Board makes sure that Catching Lives delivers on its mission to help people find safe places to live and the opportunity to lead fulfilling lives. This is an opportunity to make a genuinely important contribution to a small community organisation that needs people with your skills and experience to continue providing its services to some of the most disadvantaged individuals.

What will you be doing?

The role as Chair is pivotal to us achieving the strategic plans of our charity. Our Trustee Board makes sure that Catching Lives delivers on its mission to help people find safe places to live and the opportunity to lead fulfilling lives.

Role Description
-Ensure that the Board fulfils its function and legal duties, and that the charity follows best practice in governance.
-Maintain the Board’s focus on strategic governance, as opposed to operations.
-Ensure that the charity is working within its mission, supported by clear strategic
direction from the Board.

Person specification

The ideal candidate for Chair will bring the following experience, qualities, and commitments:
-Governance Experience. Experience as a trustee (You do not need to have previously been a Chair) OR at Director level within a charity.
-Strategic Thinking. A keen sense of strategic purpose and the ability to guide long-term direction.
-Inclusive Leadership Style. 
-Strong Communication & Listening Skills. 
-Awareness of Sector Issues. 
=Commitment to Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI).
-Responsiveness & Availability.

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion in the recruitment process

As a charity, we recognise the importance of having a diverse Board that reflects the wide range of communities across East Kent and the people we support.
We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and deeply value the unique contributions that each individual brings to our organisation. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive working environment—one in which all staff feel empowered, respected, and valued. Our goal is to ensure both our Board and our workforce are representative of the communities we serve throughout the region.
As part of this commitment, we actively promote equality, diversity, and inclusion in our recruitment processes.
If you require any specific adjustments to support your participation in the recruitment process, please do not hesitate to let us know.

PLEASE NOTE: This role is only needed for the Christmas period

Each person who'd like to volunteer needs to sign up individually, and volunteers are not permitted to bring friends, family members, or children along with them on shifts.

If you plan to apply for this role, please note you will need an electronic copy of your recognised qualification and PLI certificate to hand.

You will contribute to ending homelessness by

Our massage service gives our guests a rare chance to release tension, relax and totally unwind. If you are a qualified masseuse, come and share your skills and make a real difference to homeless people this Christmas.

PLEASE NOTE: This role is only needed for the Christmas period

Each person who'd like to volunteer needs to sign up individually, and volunteers are not permitted to bring friends, family members, or children along with them on shifts.

If you plan to apply for this role, please note you will need to provide evidence of your qualification OR a reference from your current employer.

You will contribute to ending homelessness by

Our Crisis nail bar gives guests a chance to feel pampered and confident and, along with salon and massage, is one of our busiest and most popular services. 

Nail technicians offer a shape, buff and polish service and can also offer hand massages. We do not offer shellac or nail extensions.

PLEASE NOTE: This role is only required for the Christmas period initially, however we are also seeking a podiatrist volunteer for our year round service.

Each person who'd like to volunteer needs to sign up individually, and volunteers are not permitted to bring friends, family members, or children along with them on shifts.

If you plan to apply for this role, please note you will need your HCPC registration number and PLI certificate to hand.

You will contribute to ending homelessness by

Crisis Podiatry Volunteers provide a range of treatments and advice for our guests. When you are homeless or insecurely housed, access to healthcare is challenging. 

As part of our preventative health work, you may provide general footcare advice and guidance. You may also treat corns and calluses, mycotic and gryphotic nails, blistering and maceration.

You will be volunteering at our Health & Wellbeing Day(s). These events are an opportunity for members to access a range of health & wellbeing services from the safety and comfort of our Skylight. All treatments are clothed. 

You will be part of a specialist volunteer team which may include: Hairdressers, Masseuses, Optical Care and GPs. 

Our training will show you what to expect when running sessions and the type of sessions that work best for our guests.

PLEASE NOTE: This role is only needed for the Christmas period

Each person who'd like to volunteer needs to sign up individually, and volunteers are not permitted to bring friends, family members, or children along with them on shifts.

You will contribute to ending homelessness by

Performers bring festive joy, create a warm and inviting atmosphere in our centres and help guests relax and have fun. 

If you are a performer, magician, caricaturist or have some other special skill that is entertaining and appropriate for our centres, we want to hear from you.

Winter Bucket Collection

16:15 – 19:45, Wednesday 10th December 2025

3-hour shifts

Reading Station

We’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers to join our Community Fundraising team who can join us at Reading for a bucket collection event in the community to help us raise money during our Winter fundraising period!

Every 11 minutes, this Winter, a family will lose their home. We provide vital services to those at risk, with our emergency helpline, housing rights campaigns, legal and emotional support.

Your role as volunteer:

• The main thing we need you to do is help us fundraise. You’ll be vital to our fundraising efforts for the Winter Appeal by holding a collection bucket for a 3-hour shift at Reading Station.
• You’ll be supported by one of our Community and Events Assistants or Lead Volunteers to help us to create an energetic and friendly atmosphere to gather donations.

Your support is not only crucial to our fundraising efforts, but it’s also opportunity to have fun, meet new people and experience some wonderful community spirit while contributing towards our mission.

What you get…

• Meet amazing volunteers and people within your community.
• Contribute to our Winter Appeal, raising vital funds towards Fight For Home.
• Develop fundraising and communication skills.
• Refund any out-of-pocket expenses in line with Shelter’s volunteer expenses policy.
• A certificate of appreciation for your help.
• Lots of fun!

Winter Bucket Collection

16:00 – 20:00, Wednesday 10th December 2025

Reading Station

Do you want to join our movement and defend the right to a safe home? We’re looking for someone who can lead a team of volunteers at events in the community to help us raise money and awareness. The housing emergency hurts everyone. The fight to end it starts here!

The main thing we need you to do is help us fundraise. You’ll be vital to our fundraising efforts for the Winter Appeal by holding collection buckets in public spaces. Your support is not only crucial to our fundraising efforts, but it’s also opportunity to have fun, meet new people and experience some wonderful community spirit while contributing towards our mission. 

You’ll be supporting our bucket collection by helping us to create an energetic and friendly atmosphere to gather donations. You will:

• Support and coordinate the volunteer team on the day at events.

• Deposit cash into Shelter bank account at the end of the event or pass over to Shelter staff member

To enable you to take part in this opportunity we will: 

• Provide you with relevant policies, induction, training and information

• Refund any out-of-pocket expenses in line with Shelter’s volunteer expenses policy 

Skills and Experiences Required 

• Leadership skills and ability to support others in a group

• Passionate about joining the fight for home 

• Feel comfortable handling cash and taking responsibility for depositing into bank

Benefits of volunteering with Shelter 

• Join our fight against bad housing and homelessness and become a force for change! 

• Meet other volunteers locally 

• Build your confidence and develop transferable skills 

Purpose:
Help drive donations, plan small fundraising events, and promote online giving campaigns to support housing and youth development programs.

Responsibilities:

• Support fundraising events and community drives

• Engage with local businesses for donations or sponsorships

• Promote campaigns on social media (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)

• Assist with donor thank-you messages and data entry

Skills Needed:

• Confident communicator

• Organised, friendly, and proactive

• Passion for helping vulnerable children and families

Hours: 10–15 hours per month

DBS Check: ✅ Yes – Basic DBS required (£12.50)

Policies to follow:

• Safeguarding Policy

• Fundraising Code of Conduct

• Data Protection Policy

Volunteer Benefits:

• Hands-on fundraising experience

• Training in donor relations and community engagement

• Recognition in our volunteer newsletter and social media

• Outstanding volunteers may be invited to join our Fundraising Advisory Board or future Board of Directors

Lead Volunteer

Winter Bucket Collection

10:30 – 18:00, 4th December 2025

High Street, Oxford, OX1 4BX

Do you want to join our movement and defend the right to a safe home?

We’re looking for someone who can lead a team of volunteers at events in the community to help us raise money and awareness.

The housing emergency hurts everyone. The fight to end it starts here!

The main thing we need you to do is help us fundraise.

You’ll be vital to our fundraising efforts for the Winter Appeal by holding collection buckets in public spaces.

Your support is not only crucial to our fundraising efforts, but it’s also opportunity to have fun, meet new people and experience some wonderful community spirit while contributing towards our mission.

You’ll be supporting our bucket collection by helping us to create an energetic and friendly atmosphere to gather donations. You will:

• Support and coordinate the volunteer team on the day at events.
• Deposit cash into Shelter bank account at the end of the event or pass over to Shelter staff member

To enable you to take part in this opportunity we will:

• Provide you with relevant policies, induction, training and information
• Refund any out-of-pocket expenses in line with Shelter’s volunteer expenses policy

Skills and Experiences Required

• Leadership skills and ability to support others in a group
• Passionate about joining the fight for home
• Feel comfortable handling cash and taking responsibility for depositing into bank

Benefits of volunteering with Shelter

• Join our fight against bad housing and homelessness and become a force for change!
• Meet other volunteers locally
• Build your confidence and develop transferable skills

Winter Bucket Collection

10:45 – 18:00, Wednesday 4th December 2025

(various shifts available)

High Street, Oxford, OX1 4BX

We’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers to join our Community Fundraising team who can join us at a bucket collection event in the community to help us raise money during our Winter fundraising period!

The main thing we need you to do is help us fundraise. You’ll be vital to our fundraising efforts for the Winter Appeal by holding collection buckets in public spaces.

You’ll be supported by one of our Community and Events Assistants or Lead Volunteers to help us to create an energetic and friendly atmosphere to gather donations.

We'll have three shifts available: 10:45-14:00, 14:00-17:00 or 10:45-18:00

Your support is not only crucial to our fundraising efforts, but it’s also opportunity to have fun, meet new people and experience some wonderful community spirit while contributing towards our mission.